The Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) and Cargo iQ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreeing to work co-operatively to support the implementation of Cargo iQ’s Quality Management System (QMS) and to promote the sustainability of the air cargo supply chain.

The MOU outlines six areas for the two groups to work together towards a more efficient, quality-driven, and secure air cargo supply chain, and explores methods for industry and shippers to better communicate so that customer needs are met and the benefits of air cargo are understood by the customer.

GSF and Cargo iQ signed the agreement following a joint briefing looking at how data, quality, and interoperability underpin performance at The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA)’s Air Cargo Forum (ACF) in Paris recently.

“Against the backdrop of weak growth in international trade, shippers are looking for even greater value from the air cargo industry,” said Chris Welsh, MBE, Secretary-General, Global Shippers' Forum. “While the industry enjoys traditional benefits of speed over other modes, it needs to ensure that it is worth the premium service cost versus ocean, road and rail. Our new cooperation with Cargo iQ will make sure industry performance standards meet shippers’ needs, and also help shippers understand the improvements the air cargo industry is making.”

“As shippers continue to look for the best solutions to their logistical needs, our industry is facing continuous challenges to reinvent itself,” said Ariaen Zimmerman, Executive Director, Cargo iQ. “With continuous pressure on rates and emerging technologies putting more and more demand for real time information and shipment control, industry participants need to make the right choices in developing future services and improving the current ones. The airfreight industry, being one of the biggest enablers for our modern, globalized economy, is a highly competitive environment. Knowing customers’ wants and needs is crucial. And only when shippers participate in avoiding costs and value its products, can the industry offer the services our world needs in an economically sustainable way.”

Under the agreement, GSF and Cargo iQ have agreed the following:

• To promote the acceptance, implementation, and use of Cargo iQ standards and processes, improving efficiency and on-time delivery for air cargo customers.
• To share information and best practices aimed at continuous improvement of the air cargo supply chain.
• To identify and promote ways that performance data of the air cargo supply chain becomes better accessible to customers.
• To share details of forthcoming events where progress can be reviewed aiming at the industry engagement in its shipment control and process improvement.

Photo: Left to right: Ariaen Zimmerman, Executive Director, Cargo iQ; Kester Meijer, Director Operational Integrity, KLM and Vice Chairman of Cargo iQ; Chris Welsh, Secretary General of Global Shippers’ Forum.